Darn right! I'm going to say what I know in my heart is true: ALL MEN ARE IN CHRIST (and ALL will eventually come to believe it!). Always have been. What happened at the cross in time always was. The eternal truth of redemption was shown to us at that point in time. It is something that always was. And now, our purpose here in "this life that we live in the flesh"...this life of brokenness, is to RE-MEMBER. To bring everything back into the union that we have with Him. This is the REALLY good news! I believe this because I believe in the character of God. He is a Father who will never give up. Love never fails. "If one man remains outside the love of God at the end of time, it means that that one man has defeated the love of God - and that is impossible"...William Barclay.

I don't get it...
Did De Vries sum it up pretty well? What is it that you hope this book accomplishes?

So, it seems that Rob Bell has become a universalist?

This is blatant heresy! "Will only a select few make it to heaven?, as Rob Bell asks.

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord Rom. 6:23

I John 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, THOU SHALT BE SAVED. (Romans 10:9)

since when is asking questions considered "heresy?" have you read the book yet? i'm thinkin i'll keep my own comments/thoughts/opinions to myself until AFTER i've read the book.

as for the video itself - nicely done. although i would've loved to have seen a bit more depth of field. i think it would've been nice to see a little more definition in those buildings behind rob :)

and thank you, rob, for always stirring conversations.

The coloring-theme of the video was cool. But sorry, I can't refrain from having to be the party-pooper:

(First: Yes, it was potential bad form of the guy who posted the handwritten note on the art-piece. But still:)

#1: Questions at 00:44-00:55: Jesus said in Matt 7 that "many" would find the broad way that leads to destruction. So, sort of: Yes.

#2: Question at 00:58: By repenting from your sin, (Mark 1:15, Luk 24:47) turning to God trusting solely (Eph 2:8, Rom 3:24) in Christ's vicarious suffering on the cross. (Col 2:14, Rom 3:25, Isa 53:5)

#2b: Questions at 01:01-01:16:
What you "believe", i.e. "trust in", is relevant (following #2).
What you say may or may not be relevant. (Rom 10:9, Matt 7:21-23)
What you do? Good works follow salvation, but is not the grounds of salvation.
Who you know? No.
Something that happens in your heart? Well, kind of. In Ezek 11:19 and 36:26, God is promising something amazing: That there will come a time, when He will give people a new heart - and let his Spirit dwell in them. It sure sounds like what the New Testament teaches as well.
Initiated, baptized, take a class, converted or being born again? Wow, those things aren't all the same. But baptism is something the first Christians called people to (Acts 2:38), following Jesus' command in Matt 28:18-20.
Initiation in a church body does not directly save anyone, neither does taking all kinds of classes, but "being converted" sounds to me as the same thing as "being born again", something Jesus said was essential in order to "see the Kingdom of God". (Joh 3:3)

#3: Question behind the question at 01:19: What is God like? Reading the Bible is a good place to start. He has many attributes, check the video at tinyurl.com/23ftpeu for a nice musical presentation.

#4: 01:43-01:49: What kind of God is that, that we would need to be rescued from this God? A holy God. (1 Sam 2:2, Ps 99:5, Isa 6:3, Rev 4:8)

#5: 01:50-01:52: How could that God ever be good, how can that God ever be trusted? Because God's love is most clearly shown in what He did through Jesus dying on the cross. (Rom 5:8) The God of the Bible is righteous, holy, good and loving; how can He NOT be trusted and loved? :)

#6: Statement at 02:05: Christianity as an endless list of absurdities. I am sorry for being a bit pointy, but I cannot say that you are helping against this Mr. Bell. (Take the title of your book / this video for instance. "Love wins"? ... Which means what exactly?)

John 3:36

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

John 3:36

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

John 3:36

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

John 3:36

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

John 3:36

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

John 3:36

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

John 3:36

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

John 3:36

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

John 3:36

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

John 3:36

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

John 3:36

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

John 3:36

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

John 3:36

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

John 3:36

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

John 3:36

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

John 3:36

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

Think it is a little unfair for people to jumping to conclusions about this. Wait until you have read the book. Then you can lump quote the bible.

In other news, please disregard the book of Romans or the words of Christ when making an argument for universalism. Thank You.

Bummed by Piper's tweet about this video: "@JohnPiper Farewell Rob Bell. dsr.gd/fZqmd8" I've been a John Piper fan for a long time... idk, bums me out. Wait for the damn book. Chill out. I imagine a Christianity known more for loving one another than correct beliefs delivered by theologians. #LOVEWINS

How very sad. For Universalists to place man's personal well-being at the pinnacle of God's priorities is not only ridiculously egocentric, but grossly heretical. And yet what better lie to cater to, and indulge the self-centered masses! I suppose all the fallen angels and Satan himself get to go to heaven too, in order to preserve this unbiblical and unholy "grail" of God's omnibenevolence! Man's well-being is not the trump card in God's universe. God's glory is.

Did "love win" at the Flood? Will love win when God destroys the world in fire and the day of the Lord comes, "cruel with fury and burning anger, to make the land a desolation; and... exterminate its sinners from it."? (Isaiah 13:9) Holiness is what will "win". And that encompasses both God's love and His justice. God's character is not single-faceted. The angels in Isaiah 6 cry "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of Hosts!" (not "Loving, Loving, Loving"). Are the multitudes of people so graphically described in Matthew 7:13-14, Revelation 14:11, and 2 Thessalonians 1:9 to be interpreted as mere figments of our imagination?

God save us from this satanic message of entitlement! God would be righteous and just in sending every single human being to hell. That's what we're entitled to. The fact that He has chosen to save a few is nothing but pure grace. And just because He chooses to save some, does not obligate Him to save all. As R.C. Sproul so eloquently states, "Everyone receives one of two things from God: either His justice, or His mercy. No one receives injustice."

I will read the book first, take time to pray and introspectively think of what I want to comment about second and comment third.

Rob, can I have an early copy?
(also, I'd probably skip the comment from the next three people. I don't think they've read the book yet).

To everyone who says 'Read the book' and then you can have an opinion on Rob Bell's theology. Why would I read a book that will not be at all edifying to me? It's not like Rob Bell is unclear or ambiguous in this promo trailer. He states his views about hell very clearly. He asks us what kind of God would send people to hell? Maybe he should ask 'What kind of people would a holy God let into his prescence?' Rob Bell clearly has no effectual view of his own depravity and need for a savior. He denies the need for a intercessor. So if Love Wins, then does God's perfect Justice lose?

What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy... -Paul the apostle

“You can safely assume that you've created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do.” ~Anne Lamott
LOVE WINS

Brilliant!

Has anyone actually bothered to write out a transcript of what Bell said?

This video has caused so much controversy already. See my blog for a discussion (newleaven.com)

Many posts have accused Christians of being hateful over this issue. But if bad theology didn't run the risk of leading people to a Christless eternity, it wouldn't be worth arguing about. To not argue in support of orthodox Christianity would be even more hateful.

It is amazing how we hear scripture in ways that promote our own agenda. It seems that we stand with the Pharisees outside of the gates of heaven, keys in hand, unwilling to enter ourselves for fear that God has made up his mind and cannot do anything more than what our simple minds can comprehend. Father forgive us for packaging you up in a nice and tidy box and selling you out to fear and faithlessness of your power to redeem and reconcile ALL things unto yourself.

It is my prayer, that we can read Romans 14 and see that perhaps God has full redemption in mind. For as Origen and many other church Fathers spoke of, it is not truly reconciliation unless every part is purified and reconciled before the Father.

It is my prayer that we can read scripture in the same way Christ took on the cross. Knowing that it is in our death (powerlessness) that we truly are Christ followers not in our murdering of our brothers and sisters through name calling and labels (power) is the essence of the God we serve.

The irony of this conversation is that those who desire to judge and condemn our brother Rob Bell must not realize the full magnitude of the Sermon on the Mount.

Matt 5.21 "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell."

It is interesting how we use the term heresy in light of the term "Raca." In a sense it means foolish, numskull and virtually any language that is used to put down another. I wonder if the term heresy is meant in love OR instead out of fear, anger, contempt and self assurance. Last I checked we don't live in self-assurance but are called to die to ourselves so that Christ (in whom we have assurance) may raise us to life.

So, irony being, we who say hereitic, heresy, false prophet and do so out of fear, really do so out of hatred. We do so because we ourselves fear not being able to live up to the very thing we judge so harshly. In judgment we justify ourselves by comparing ourselves to those we think are lesser than ourselves. Interesting, Christ died for those people. It seems that in the end none of us will be able to recognize Jesus without his grace affording it to us.

Christ didn't die to make Christians, he died to redeem the world. It was never about the church, it was always about his creation, his fallen people. Who are we to say who God won't, can't, shouldn't save and redeem as He sees fit. Father forgive us for playing God on both ends of the spectrum.

Once again Rob Bell has blown my mind with not only his message, but his courage. Keep going Bell, don't give into the Legalism of the modern day pharisees.

Let's be honest. Clever Marketing.
I've already Pre-ordered mine.
My question would be, what will Bell do with the profits??

Beautiful picture as always. Loved how the painting tells a story. You're a great inspiration, thanks for your work!

The most well done, flashy and compelling piece of heresy that I've seen in a long time.

I'd like to note that everyone in this comment thread who says they disagree with or dislike Rob Bell never even tried to respond to Rob Bell's questions. Anybody can quote scripture, including Satan. Rob Bell asks questions that make us search our soul, our morals, and our sense of justice. Answer from there, and then we can talk.

It's a waste of time to try to speak to those who think Rob Bell is a heretic. Their knowledge has puffed them up to the point that they have so narrowly defined God, even believing He can be fully understood by reading the Bible. It rides the thin line of idolatry (Bible as God) as do most of our Americanized notions of Christianity. Such people, cannot see the importance of humility but always seek to crucify. Lord help us! Lord forgive us.

brilliant.

Three things in this stream of posts drive me nuts.

First, according to the IRS, there are over 14,000 registered denominations (not churches, but organizations different enough to register separately). Of those 14,000, there are roughly 38 different variations of "Christian Orthodoxy." Most who attack Bell do so from the narrow perspective of their version of what is orthodox. And most are totally ignorant that other interpretations even exist.

Second, Rob Bell is not teaching anything new. If anyone has extended their studies beyond the teachings of their particular denomination, they would immediately recognize in Bell's words the writings of Barth, Torrance, Kruger, Brunner, Lewis, Peterson, Fee, etc.. Karl Barth was constantly being labeled a Universalist.

And finally, if anyone actually would bother to read or listen to Bell, they would see he's not promoting universalism, but rather, post-mortem evangelism...the notion that, while Jesus is the only way to salvation, God is not going to send someone to hell just because you were too lazy to lead your neighbor in the sinner's prayer. While post-mortem evangelism is considered by some to be just as heretical as universalism, it is also taught by a number of "orthodox" theologians, including John Stott.

So when one of you label Bell as a heretic, you place his name on a very long list of other well-respected heretic theologians. And when you back your argument with scripture, be aware that, as Scot McKnight teaches so eloquently, you always filter your reading of scripture through the lens of your denominational background and tradition. A powerful command of God's word has little value in the hands of someone who doesn't understand the larger question.

The Word of God is quite clear that in the latter times false prophets would arise and lead many astray by telling them things that tickle their ears. Who wouldn't want to believe that there is no Hell? This is not the first time that Rob Bell has dropped the facade and exposed himself that he is a false prophet. His previous books, videos and sermons have more than adequately done that, this forthcoming book just adds more evidence to the fact.

O, thank God I am a heretic....

Well, I have watched the video. Sad, but very clever! All along, questions and emotive phrases are used which lead people to think that universalism is the way, but he never says so. Then, to conclude: two words of Gospel – love wins! If that is preaching the Word with accuracy, I am a monkey’s uncle! If you are going to raise so many questions, and be so emotive, then you need to go on and provide some better answers from Scripture to set the soul at ease. Bell has not done that!

Dear God,

No, Daddy, Abba, father! Dear Jesus, Son of God, Holy One, the only One, the Way and Truth and the Only Way to God!

Please come home! Please come home and restore all of your creation to yourself!

Your kids, your children are at it again! We're fighting over your Divine and Holy words again, while people are still going to HELL!

Not to be too judgmental, but some of your kids are acting like the Pharisees of old, while others act like "All we need is Love" new agers! and may have lost sight of your Supremacy and Holiness and Truth!

So, for those of Us who believe there is a Hell, (and there is, see God's Word) Please, please in God's Love and in Jesus name go and make Disciples of all Nations! If you really, really believe people are going to perish in Hell for all eternity, then please drop what you are doing and LOVE Them in the Name of our Father and His Son, Jesus, so that they do not go to HELL!!! I'm trying to be serious here and bring some sanity to all of these arguments!

I find so many people say they believe in Jesus, Heaven and HELL, but don't live lives that reflect that belief! Do you really believe that your friends and neighbors (all over this planet) that do not know Christ as Lord and Savior are going to go to HELL, Then what are you doing about it??? How are you living your lives, are you living lives that Reflect God's Love for them? or do you love your life here and now?

Maybe this is why so many are turned away from the Good News, maybe they don't see Your Love in us? Maybe if we loved one another as Christ did, we would go and change the World, we'd bring them the Good News and "Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven"?

And for those who would just have Love, Love with out Christ is just Folly! but Christ without Love... I am a resounding Gong, I am nothing, I gain nothing!

Every Pastor and Teacher of Gods Word should take to heart that they will be judge by a higher standard, they should stand in Fear before God as they preach and teach and judge!

Years ago a movie came out on about the life and times of Ghandi. Like most films out of Hollywood, it had an agenda and was a propaganda piece with a subtle messages. It was a majestic film, full of beauty and wonder of India, it's people and it's culture. It purposefully tugged at your heart strings for the man and India's struggle for Independence. It made you want to fall in love with the Mystic India and Ghandi, the man and legend.

We had gone to the film with my in-laws. My father in-law, when alive was a well know Preacher, former President of a local Reform seminary, who's circle of theological of friends ranged from universalist to conservative Reformist. As a foolish, young 20 something born againer "know it all", seeing the world in just black and white at the time, and who was always looking for a good theological fight and argument, I had to ask him a question that I knew for certain in my heart!

"Is Ghandi, in Heaven or Hell?"

Being that he was a bit older, wiser and through enough Theological fights and controversy he gave me this answer.

"I think when you get to Heaven, you will be surprised at who's not in Heaven that you expected to be in Heaven, and surprised by those you did not expect to be in Heaven are in Heaven!"

So 30 years latter the same question still rages with another generation! 30 years from now it still will! and I'm still convinced that Jesus is the Way, The Truth and the Light to World and the only way that men shall be saved!

Fact, I'm not a universalist, but I'm going to leave the last Laugh to Him who created me! For we only see things dimly until that day He calls you and me home!

Until then, why don't the Pastors, Preachers and Teachers, lay people, those who call themselves Christians worry and do more about those who are going to HELL! and go Love them into the Kingdom!

and We all know the End of the Story! We all know that Every Knee Shall Bow to the Lamb Of God who is Worthy!

and JESUS WINS!

Scott

p.s. I'm guessing, only guessing Rob Bell has led more folks to our Lord Jesus than most, but I'm only guessing? and I would not want to be too judgmental!

bought my tickets to see him in Cheltenham UK in April. Can't wait! Rob's teaching is consistently good and compelling. In this video he is simply asking questions. We should encourage questions, they help us discover the truth. :)

From his new book:

‎"A staggering number of people have been taught that a select few Christians will spend forever in a peaceful, joyous place called heaven, while the rest of humanity spends forever in torment and punishment in hell with no chance for anything better…. This is misguided and toxic and ultimately subverts the contagious spread of Jesus’ message of love, peace, forgiveness, and joy that our world desperately needs to hear."
(Rob Bell)

This is good theology based on scripture?

The problem with the start of his argument is that the question arises from another Christians lack of Love. Whoever posted the message "Gandhi is in Hell" wasn't acting in Love. The bible says that truth without love is like a sounding gong. There is a fine line in life. Truth must be spoken in Love. But any act of "love" if it doesn't have truth isn't Love either. It's is niceties and nothing deeper than a handshake.

The entire argument he is making is one of niceties. Many of you have posted quotes about Jesus being the only way. Truth! Say heaven is the like gates portrayed in so many cartoons for a second. Gandhi was a man of peace and non-violence, but he had no concept or he didn't accept Jesus as his savior. Two things stand out to me in this instance. His sins, those things that, in fundamental Christianity, separate us from God, for God cannot be in the presence of wickedness, he won't be able to enter. Also, because he didn't accept that Jesus is the only way to wash us clean, he won't WANT to enter. Jesus could be standing there arms wide open and Gandhi's beliefs keep him from accepting the reality that Jesus is needed to fulfill how we were created to be. In relationship with God. You all really must read C. S. Lewis' book "The Great Divorce" Such an excellent read on this very subject. It portrays that everyone has a chance into heaven, even after death. They are standing there to make their way to God but so many turn because they don't like the reality of what is necessary. It is a matter of each persons heart. Heaven and Hell are portrayed as personal choices, not that God just casts us down into the fire, but we choose, not fire, but separation and exile from Gods goodness and love because it is not on OUR terms. Pride is the first and last sin! I firmly believe that it isn't God who casts us to hell but we choose to go there when faced with reality. "When perfection comes we shall see clearly." Whether we choose truth and reality is up to us. It is God's goodness and Jesus' Love and death on the cross that has given us the opportunity now to choose to walk behind the curtain and be in relationship with our Loving creator. For God is Love...

A problem i'm having with our current church climate is our focus has been taken off the source of Love and put on love itself (yes i'm am using caps on purpose throughout this rant). We have begun to worship and focus on diversity, and not let it naturally happen by focusing on the Creator of diversity. We have begun to worship the ministry, the actions, the minister, but not the Creator of all these things who make them happen in his Wisdom. Love must work together with Truth and Truth should never be spoken/done apart from Love.

Cool video. But...

russellmoore.com/2011/03/15/the-blood-drained-gospel-of-rob-bell/

Yup Heath, nice video but heretical content. Rob MISREPRESNTS orthodox evangelicalism. The emphasis of the Gospel is not that God condemns but rather that He saves all who put their faith in Christ. Hell is real. The Gospel is exclusive by its very nature. Only those who believe in the person and work of Christ - those who are truly born again - only they are saved. Rob Bell is not the authority on heaven and hell. Neither am I. The Bible is - and Rob Bell has to pull some extreme hermeneutical gymnastics in order to back up his point in any way from scripture.

Some of you people are very scary! Reminds me of a scene in the movie "Inherit the Wind" in which the fine upstanding church folk in a small Tennessee town are picketing and singing "We'll hang Bert Cates from a sour apple tree" to the tune of "Battle Hymn of the Republic" simply because a young teacher and former friend believed in his students' right to think for themselves--or better yet another mob crying "Crucify him" that sent another young teacher to his death on a cross on Calvary. As a Christian minister and someone who is familiar with Rob Bell's larger body of work, I cannot imagine that this firestorm of anti-Rob rhetoric is founded in anything but ignorance. It's no wonder that more and more people are choosing to live their lives apart from the church. I, for one, am grateful for Rob's teachings and for the invitation they extend to all of us to participate in the realization of the Kingdom of a living, loving, present God.

Luke 16:19-31, Hell does exists
NeedGod.com

Do we really believe that the path to eternal life is narrow? Enjoy! vimeo.com/21895447

Sounds like Carlton Pearson's gospel of inclusion. And we know what happened to him and his church.

This is heresy.

Its hard to reply to just one if not all of these comments. There are only a few honest people here. They are the ones who said, "I'll read the book, and comment later". Good honest and wise!

I hear alot of presumption going on, but Rob Bell is right on about this, that the belief in an unending torment in hell is the cause of much unbelief. It makes God out to be a tyrant, even a devil.

I am not saying there will not be the lake of fire in which sin is destroyed. However the Bible is clear, that the fire will go out, once it has consumed all remnants of sin. You see, we are going to live on this earth for eternity once it is recreated. He says "Behold I create a new heavens and new earth", "the wicked shall be ashes under the soles of your feet".

Eternity is only as long as there is life. What we as Christians are saying about God, is that He is going to keep the unrepentant miraculously alive in the lake of fire forever and ever to suffer in the torment of flame, and as some christian authors have stated "it will be with great pleasure that we shall witness their suffering". They have even gone so far as to say "that should their suffering end, it would somehow remove some of the joy of heaven". I paraphrased that a bit. These are sick puppies!

I would like to read Rob Bells book. He asks pertinent questions. Questions that the God of Heaven can bear up to the scrutiny of.

What kind of God do you serve?
Don't make God in your own image!

brothers and sisters,
»By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.« John 13;35
could it be, that some have forget this?

Great questions. I think that it's interesting that the fundamentalists can't answer these questions. God is GOOD. God is LOVE. There can NOT be a contradiction in that. GOOD NEWS. TRUE LOVE. PRAISE GOD!

So apperently he knows that Ghandi is not in hell. Does that mean that Hindus go to heaven?